Kiln Sticker Thickness

[JMS]

Is there any effect of kiln sticker thickness when drying West Coast Hemlock? 

[MichaelM]

3/4" works for most folks. 

You can get more lumber in the kiln with thinner sticks, but the drying will take a little longer.  Bassett (WDKA procedings in late 60s) suggests that the total production capacity is more or less unaffected because of this. 

A New Zealand study concluded that 5/8" or 3/4" gave about the same production and drying quality so there's probably no reason to have thicker stickers. Thinner stickers may break more in machinery so they suggested using the 3/4".

[kilnguy]

  Hardwoods drying here in PA...........but 3/4 seems to be the standard.

[JMS]

Thank you for the information.  I had someone suggest 7/8" stickers compared to 3/4" but was worried about the reduction in kiln capacity and other drying issues.  Sounds like 3/4" is the way to go.